GUN SAFETY RULES
1TREAT EVERY GUN AS LOADED
Always assume the gun you are handling is loaded and ready to fire. Never presume a weapon is not loaded. Even when you are told a gun is unloaded, it’s always best to check for yourself.
2KEEP YOUR GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
The most basic safety rule. Accidents happen fast. A gun that’s never pointed at a person will never result in an accident. A safe direction is the direction where a bullet cannot hit anyone. Always be aware where the muzzle of you gun is pointing.
3KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT
When handling a gun, keep your finger outside the trigger guard. Or place it along the side of the gun. Don’t touch the trigger until you are actually ready to fire.
4DON'T POINT A GUN AT ANYTHING YOU DON'T INTEND TO SHOOT
Everything a gun points at is in danger. Never point a gun at a target you don’t intend to shoot.
5BE AWARE OF WHAT IS BEYOND YOUR TARGET
Everything and everyone in front of and behind your target is your responsibility. Make sure you have an adequate backstop and never shoot at a flat, hard surface or water. Small caliber bullets can travel as far as mile. Large caliber rifles can shoot more than 3 miles.
6ENSURE THE BARREL IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LOADING AND SHOOTING
Be sure the barrel is clear of any obstruction. Even a small amounts mud, sand, debris, excess lubricating oil in the bore can cause dangerously increased pressures. This can cause serious injury to the shooter and bystanders. Clean the barrel and check for obstructions before you shoot.
7IF THE GUN FAILS TO FIRE, HOLD YOUR SHOOTING POSITION, THEN UNLOAD THE GUN WITH THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
At times a cartridge may not fire when the trigger is pulled. If this happens to you do not attempt to look down the barrel. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Carefully unload the weapon and safely dispose of the cartridge.
8DON'T RELY ON THE SAFETY TO KEEP A GUN FROM FIRING
The “safety” on any gun can fail or mistakenly be turned off. Never assume a gun will not fire because the “safety” is on. Gun safety is proper attitude and behavior, not a mechanical feature on a weapon.
9KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN -- USE
Firearms should be loaded only when you are ready to use them. When not in use, guns and ammunition should be secured in a safe place. You are responsible to prevent unauthorized and untrained people from accessing your firearms.
10-- USE THE CORRECT AMMUNITION
Using incorrect ammunition can ruin a gun and cause serious injury to the shooter. Be absolutely sure that the caliber ammunition you are using matches the specifications for the gun.
11WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION
Shooters should wear protective shooting glasses and some form of hearing protectors. Exposure to loud noise can damage hearing. Cartridge ejection, clay target chips, or firearm malfunctions can damage your vision.
12DO NOT LEAVE YOUR FIREARM IN YOUR VEHICLE
It’s never a good idea leaving your gun in your unattended vehicle. Even when it’s locked. If you must, it’s preferable to leave it in a locked container, fixed to the interior.
Post Exchange offers concealed carry classes and marksmanship instruction to better education clients on firearm safety. Call the Post Exchange to schedule your class! 337-519-5428
